Jared Crick to start against Chargers

Second-year pro Jared Crick will replace the suspended Antonio Smith in the lineup against the Chargers. Smith, who got sidelined by the NFL for a retaliatory act in a preseason scuffle with Miami’s Richie Incognito, is barred from being around the team this week, but Kubiak let him address the Texans Friday.

“That was the last day he could be with us,” the coach said. “He let them know he’d take care of his business and that he expected them to take care of theirs. We’ve got a good player to replace him. The team has a lot of confidence in Jared.”

Captains to be named Saturday

Kubiak said he’ll hold off announcing the Texans’ offensive, defensive and special-teams captains until Saturday morning. Normally it’s done on Friday for a Sunday opener. This is the first time the Texans have ever opened on a Monday night. Additional captains are named at midseason.